Boom Flood

[SettleMeDown]

New to us 473: After rain we start up and head out. Water comes running down the boom and gushing into the cockpit. We try to remember to swing it out over the side beforehand and use the vang to help empty but it's a PITA. Any thoughts on drilling vents in the bottom to help keep it dry? It's a furling mast setup.

 

[Deadhead]

Happens on my B46 all the time. Still haven't figured out a solution beyond waiting until it is empty to put out the snacks. Soggy Triscuits suck.

 

[Gunni]

New to us 473: After rain we start up and head out. Water comes running down the boom and gushing into the cockpit. We try to remember to swing it out over the side beforehand and use the vang to help empty but it's a PITA. Any thoughts on drilling vents in the bottom to help keep it dry? It's a furling mast setup.

I guess that means you don't have a topping lift? (sorry, I missed the furling main revolution). A topping lift allows you to park the boom aft-high - water drains forward. Now, who is this "we"? Sailing is a wet sport and a wet ass is often part of the deal. Perhaps a crew briefing is in order.

 

[centerline]

New to us 473: After rain we start up and head out. Water comes running down the boom and gushing into the cockpit. We try to remember to swing it out over the side beforehand and use the vang to help empty but it's a PITA. Any thoughts on drilling vents in the bottom to help keep it dry? It's a furling mast setup.

I am surprised there wouldnt already be a drain hole there.... if the water is just setting in there, waiting for corrosion to start, or for someone to move the boat so it can spill into the cockpit all at once, then it NEEDS a drain hole installed, or have the debris picked out to the one that may already be there...
it needs a drain hole at both ends of the boom.

 

[SettleMeDown]

I guess that means you don't have a topping lift? (sorry, I missed the furling main revolution). A topping lift allows you to park the boom aft-high - water drains forward. Now, who is this "we"? Sailing is a wet sport and a wet ass is often part of the deal. Perhaps a crew briefing is in order.

We do have a topping lift but I leave it pretty loose as there's a boom vang. I'll have to check to see if I let the boom up if it drains forward. I didn't even think of that. Btw, this captain and crew are like cats when it comes to water this time of year (and the wind is the mouse).